Tensions have flared up between the two captains, Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, who have exchanged verbal volleys, as the match progresses towards an interesting and nail-biting finish.
The third day of the test marked Kohli’s 25th Test ton but it was his celebratory gesture that became the talking point.
Right after scoring the ton, Kohli removed his helmet and indicated that he was ‘letting his bat do the talking’!
Shortly thereafter, the skipper got out in a rather controversial catch, which was referred to the third umpire but wasn’t overturned on account of a soft signal.
India wrapped up at 283 runs and since Australia stepped out for their second innings, Kohli has been unstoppable on the field.
He has got into a fiery exchange with Paine twice, revved up the crowd with gestures suggesting ‘louder’ and even came face to face with Paine as he reached the crease after getting a run.
It all began when Paine missed one down the leg side and India appealed before deciding not to review the decision.
It turned out Paine had not hit the ball, but that did not stop Kohli from trying to unsettle his counterpart.
“If he messes this up it is 2-0 and who’s going to talk then?” Kohli said to Paine.
The Australian skipper fired back, “You’ve got to bat first big head.”
Kohli laughed off the remark before the pair continued to trade barbs, as they walked off the field at the end of the day.
The exchange continued when they walked off the field.
“Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner,” Nathan Lyon revealed at the press conference.
“I’ve played enough cricket against Virat to know what he’s like.
“Virat’s Virat.
“Virat Kohli is a great player. He plays on emotion.
“I’m not worried about what he’s doing or India’s doing.”
Indian captain Virat Kohli has controversially been given out for 123 in the 2nd Test in Perth. (AAP) Source: AAP
"Keep your cool, Virat"
On Day Four, the tension continued, where both the captains exchanged more words after coming face to face.
Paine made a run and arrived at the crease where Kohli stood his ground, forcing the pair to come face to face.
The Australian captain looked far from impressed by the shirt-front and had a word with Kohli.
“You’re the one that lost it yesterday. Why are you trying to be cool today?” Paine quizzed.
“That’s enough, that’s enough. Come on, play the game. You guys are the captains,” the umpire responded.
Paine replied; “we’re just having a conversation. There’s no swearing ... keep your cool Virat”.
